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"Lots of people do have the impression that drug use, and especially heavy drug use, is easy to get away from and it's not. You are addicted to it and anything we can do to help that process and come off cleanly is a good thing."

"It's an ongoing problem that is sometimes difficult to address."

She added there is a possibility for a team to come to Sleaford from Grantham as a temporary measure while a permanent option is sorted.

Boots said in a statement that a service is available for users in Grantham.

They told the radio station: "We understand that the needle exchange is very important however the safety of our colleagues and customers is our priority.

"We can confirm with guidance from Addaction we made the difficult decision to withdraw the service.

"We will work with the local authority to find a solutuion. In the meantime we will re-direct people to Grantham."

The service will continue at the store until the end of the month.

Fern Hensley, contracts manager for Addaction Lincolnshire, added: "Pharmacy based needle exchanges help people access support from the high street, and also help support people with other issues such as nutrition, nicotine replacement therapy and more.

"We understand that in this case there were difficulties and we respect the decision of Boots Sleaford to close the service. We are working with them to wind down the needle exchange service which will close at the end of this month.